Information provided by the National MS Society
10 HINTS FOR QUALITY CARE OF PEOPLE
WITH MS
WITH MS
1. A sudden increase in fatigue level is often the first sign
of infection in people with MS
of infection in people with MS
2. The easiest written material for people with MS to read is
plain black lettering on white paper in at least a size 14 font.
plain black lettering on white paper in at least a size 14 font.
3. Spasticity, or muscle spasms, can be reduced by moving
limbs slowly and smoothly rather than by quick, sudden movements.
limbs slowly and smoothly rather than by quick, sudden movements.
4. Heat aggravates symptoms in 80% of people with MS,
although this temporary worsening can be relieved by cooling
although this temporary worsening can be relieved by cooling
5. Urinary tract infection can lead to serious complications
in MS and requires immediate attention and treatment
in MS and requires immediate attention and treatment
6. Depression is common in people with MS but responds well
to psychotherapy and/or antidepressants.
to psychotherapy and/or antidepressants.
7. MS often brings cognitive changes including short-term
memory loss, reduced attention span, and impaired judgment. Therefore,
self-report may not always be as accurate as it appears.
memory loss, reduced attention span, and impaired judgment. Therefore,
self-report may not always be as accurate as it appears.
8. Frequent skin checks is important with people with MS
since many will not report scrapes, cuts or sores because they do not feel them
or cannot see them.
since many will not report scrapes, cuts or sores because they do not feel them
or cannot see them.
9. Side trunk supports and seat belts should not be used as
restraints but can be helpful as positioning devices. The rehabilitation and
assistive technology needs of people with MS are often complex and difficult to
meet without expert advice and consultation.
restraints but can be helpful as positioning devices. The rehabilitation and
assistive technology needs of people with MS are often complex and difficult to
meet without expert advice and consultation.
10. Nursing assistants who have a lot of patience should be
the ones to feed people with MS who have swallowing disorders. Staff who grow
impatient can transfer their tension to the person with MS and increase the
likelihood of a choking episode.
the ones to feed people with MS who have swallowing disorders. Staff who grow
impatient can transfer their tension to the person with MS and increase the
likelihood of a choking episode.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MS Views and News is MAKING an IMPACT for those, affected by Multiple Sclerosis
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews